We paused our shopping for a pic. Notice the “champion” above our heads. I’m just sayin.

See, there really are glass running shoes!

After the expo we had a little welcome reception where we mingled with Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca from “Survivor;” and had a great, intimate Q&A with the legendary Jeff Galloway.

Me with Jeff Galloway. He's the runDisney training consultant. I was so thrilled because I follow his Galloway method for long runs. Am I grinning hard enough?

We left ESPN and headed to Hollywood Studios where we CARB LOADED at Mama Melrose. I could eat there every night if Disney, and my hips, could take it. Then it was off to bed - we had a 3:45 a.m. call time. YIKES!

My pre-race EARLY morning pic!

We hopped on the bus and dropped our stuff off in the Media/VIP tent before heading to the start line. Every corral started with a bang, literally, as fireworks sent more than 16,000 runners from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and back. The course is filled with every one’s favorite Disney characters and live entertainment.

There’s nothing more magical than running up Main Street and through Cinderella’s castle.

The Princesses weren't the only ones who dressed up. There was frog man, too. Yup, he ran 13.1 miles in a frog suit. Got to love it.

There was also a little eye-candy to cheer us on.

And, a gospel choir at mile 13. It was Sunday morning and, yes, I needed a little Jesus to get to the finish line.

I finished in 2:46:42. The Princess is not a “race” race because you can stop a million times for pics and fun - unless of course you are this badass who sets a sub 2:00 PR!

Afterwards we celebrated in the Media/VIP tent; ate brunch and cheered in the rest of the runners. (Heather, me and T)

If I didn’t have my hands full with running and tennis I just might of had to take up golf. I was whacking the mess out of the ball. GASP!

Next up we were all excited to learn more about sports and endurance nutrition with Disney Chef Gary Jones, a culinary dietary specialist.

He enlisted Lisa …

... and Heather to help him chef up a dish for us. He also fed us dark chocolate. Does it get any better?

We ended our evening with a FABULOUS dinner in France at Epcot’s Bistro de Paris, then had a private dessert party where we sipped champagne made for Disney’s newest cruise ship, The Dream, and watched the Illuminations fireworks show.

As if that wasn’t enough a few of us ran over to Magic Kingdom to take advantage of their late night Magic Hours and took on Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thunder Mountain and the Haunted House. We were too tired to snap any pictures but my scratchy voice from yelling is proof that we were there.

While I plan on enjoying every minute I’m also a bit freaked out concerned about staying on track with my Project Me plan. It’s been almost two months since I started working on my Birthday Goal to rock a bikini and I feel good about where I am. I can feel and SEE positive changes in my body but I know the final two months are crucial in my reaching my goal.

There will be lots of wonderful distractions and temptations for me to stray from my workout and healthy eating while I’m there, but I’m determined to stay the course. Sure, I’ll indulge in a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar but I’m also going to make friends with the Fitness Center at my resort. I’m going to search out some of the healthier options the Mouse has to offer and put my traveling fitness skills to the test.

I’ll be tweeting, Facebooking and of course blogging and will look to you lovely folks for some support. Please do cheer me on when I stay on track and feel free to kick me in the butt when I don’t.

Now I’m off to work on that tutu. Today’s the day. I’m not the craftiest person in the world so y’all be nice when you see it.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: Disney is providing my travel and accommodations. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own. ﻿

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

One of my FAVORITE childhood memories was my father taking me and my sister to see the Harlem Globetrotters. At the risk of showing my true age, that was when Curly and Meadowlark Lemon were wowing crowds everywhere. OK, fess up, I know I’m not the only one who remembers when the Globetrotters joined the Scooby-doo cartoon. My son loves it. Ahem.

Well, they’re still at it with a whole new crop of superstars. Known as the magicians of basketball, the Harlem Globetrotters are now celebrating their 85th year of an incredibly entertaining brand of basketball. They’ve played more than 25,000 games, entertaining everyone from Presidents to Popes.

As soon as Miles saw the commercial that they were coming to town he started bargaining for tickets. Yup, I’m getting a clean room out of the deal. Not only is my family going but I’ve got four tickets to give to one of you so your family can enjoy the fun, too.

Want to go? They’ll take the court at Philips Arena in Atlanta on March 12, 2011 at 1pm. As always I’m easy, here’s how to win:

I had the opportunity to take my family on Thursday night to Phillips Arena in Atlanta to see opening night. We had a blast. It was a fun family outing where both the adults and the kids were entertained. Truth be told I use my kids as a front for these things. I’m not sure who has more fun – me or them. Ahem.

It was constant entertainment filled with jaw-dropping stunts and how-did-they-do-that-moments. A few of my favorites are the clowns, the trapeze artists (I’m always on the edge of my seat for them), the amazing Motorcycle globe, and of course the elephants. It was kind of dark for my phone, but I managed to snap a few pics:

Thursday, February 17, 2011

I’m tired. My body is tired. I have been running, strength training and playing tennis, sometimes doing all three in the same day, constantly since the beginning of the year. I’ve increased my workouts because I’m on a mission to bust out my birthday goal. I want it – bad.

Although I’ve schedule rest days I haven’t fully been taking them – gasp – even though I know better. Rest is just as crucial to the work you do. I know my body needs that recovery but sometimes I can’t help but resist it.

Today I’m going to rest. No running. No strength training. No tennis. My mind is mad at me for sitting still but my body will LOVE me for it.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

After four miles of running, 45 minutes of strength-training, five small pieces of dark chocolate, two glasses of red wine and one plate of steak, homemade mashed potatoes, and green beans; I survived Valentine’s Day without OVER indulging.

I actually followed my own advice (shh, don’t tell but that doesn’t always happen) and treated myself without over doing it. Husband and I went out on Saturday night to one of our favorite restaurants, Pozole, since we knew we’d been in the house on Valentine’s Day.

They make the best Raspberry Margarita EVER.

I was feeling a little romantic and domesticated last night, ahem, so I whipped up a nice dinner for us.

My mashed potatoes made with skim milk and no butter or margarine - the right seasoning is all you need. Check out the RED bowl … there’s still time to win your own set in my contest here.

My entire masterpiece. Husband loved it.

We sipped on this. Notice the name? Unfortunately we have no relation and receive no profits from the Robertson Winery. A girl can wish right?

I’m excited to get through Valentine’s Day without going overboard. Holiday’s are tough and usually riddled with excuses. I’m almost two months out from my birthday goal and I’m feeling more and more like I’m going to make it every day.

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